World Cup opening ceremony and match at risk of being called off amid planned mass protests

However, protest groups have issued stark warnings that the fixture may not go ahead. Demonstrators have adopted the slogan "if there's no solution, the ball won't roll" as they prepare to descend on the venue.

At least six separate groups intend to converge on the stadium, including teachers, transport workers, farmers and relatives of missing persons, threatening to bring the Mexican capital to a standstill.

The disruption threats extend beyond street protests to a bitter dispute over executive box ownership at the 87,000-capacity venue.

More than 15,000 seats are caught up in a row stemming from FIFA's longstanding policy of assuming complete control of stadiums during tournaments.

When the Azteca underwent full reconstruction in 1966, suites were sold with unrestricted rights lasting 99 years, entitlements that covered both the 1970 and 1986 World Cups held at the ground.

Box holders claim FIFA's current restrictions prevent them from selling tickets and providing food and drink to guests during the tournament.

The Mexican Association of Box and Grandstand Seat Holders has threatened boycotts and protests, with backing from the CNTE teachers' union, unless meaningful negotiations take place before kick-off.

Demonstrators plan to begin marching and cycling along major routes through the capital from Thursday morning, with the intention of reaching the stadium by 1pm local time, coinciding with the ceremony's scheduled start.

The CNTE teachers' union intends to obstruct access to the FIFA Fan Fest whilst staging marches near key transport hubs.

A contingent exceeding 100,000 educators from the union will simultaneously maintain a presence in the city centre.

Families of those who have disappeared plan to form human chains in the vicinity of the ground and observe a minute's silence for their loved ones.

The protesters are demanding the abolition of USICAMM, a government administrative body, alongside the reversal of legislation that has negatively impacted pension arrangements for state workers.

Roberto Ruano, representing the box holders' association, has appealed directly to stadium owner Emilio Azcarraga for talks, stating: "I want to take this opportunity to make a gentlemanly appeal to Emilio Azcarraga, to tell him that I am ready to sit down and talk with him."

He warned that the CNTE, transport workers and other groups stand ready to support their cause if dialogue remains blocked.

Union leader Marcelino Rodarte, Secretary General of Section 58 of the CNTE, declared: "On June 11, the ball won't roll if there is no response for the organised teachers."

Authorities have responded by establishing alternative routes to guarantee both teams reach the venue safely, whilst making clear that any mass blockade or sabotage of the opening event will not be tolerated.